Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method for tracking device activity via timestamp-based matching of identifiers, the method comprising: storing information in memory of an identifier server regarding one or more maps, wherein each map associates a device identifier unique to a computing device with at least one browser identifier unique to a browser used by the computing device, the map further mapping the device identifier to an internet protocol (IP) address and an uptime; receiving information sent over a communication network from an active computing device that has used a browser to download a website, wherein the downloaded website includes a reference to a browser identifier unique to the browser used by the active computing device; identifying that the received information includes a timestamp and an IP address for the active computing device, wherein the timestamp indicates an uptime of the active computing device that measures an amount of time that the active computing device has been continuously working since a last start; identifying that the uptime indicated by the timestamp and the IP address in the received information matches an uptime and IP address stored in association with a device identifier in one of the stored maps; and updating the stored map associated with the identified device identifier based on the match, wherein the updated stored map includes the referenced browser identifier and at least one other browser identifier unique to a different browser previously used by the active computing device.
The method involves tracking device activity by matching identifiers using timestamps. The technology addresses the challenge of accurately associating multiple browser identifiers with a single computing device across different sessions. A server stores maps that link device identifiers to browser identifiers, IP addresses, and uptime values. When an active computing device accesses a website, the server receives information including a timestamp and IP address. The timestamp reflects the device's continuous uptime since its last startup. The server checks if the received uptime and IP address match those stored in any map. If a match is found, the corresponding map is updated to include the new browser identifier alongside any previously associated browser identifiers. This allows the server to maintain a comprehensive record of all browsers used by the same device, even if they are accessed at different times or through different sessions. The method ensures accurate tracking of device activity by leveraging timestamp-based matching to correlate identifiers across multiple browsers and sessions.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the timestamp is further associated with a clock skew, and further comprising determining whether clock skew corresponds to the active computing device.
A method for managing timestamps in a distributed computing system addresses the challenge of accurately synchronizing time across multiple devices, which is critical for operations like event ordering, security, and debugging. The method involves associating a timestamp with a clock skew value, which represents the deviation of a device's local clock from a reference time source. The method further includes determining whether the clock skew corresponds to the active computing device, ensuring that the timestamp reflects the correct time despite potential clock drift or misconfiguration. This step helps validate the reliability of the timestamp and the device generating it. By accounting for clock skew, the method improves the accuracy of time-based operations in distributed systems, reducing errors in event sequencing, security logging, and system diagnostics. The approach is particularly useful in environments where multiple devices must coordinate actions or where precise timing is essential for compliance or performance monitoring. The method may be applied in cloud computing, IoT networks, or any system requiring synchronized timekeeping across distributed components.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the updated map associates the identified device identifier with a plurality of browser identifiers, the plurality of browser identifiers including the referenced browser identifier.
A method for tracking and associating device identifiers with multiple browser identifiers in a digital mapping system. The method addresses the challenge of accurately linking a single device to multiple browser instances, which is critical for digital advertising, analytics, and user behavior tracking. The system identifies a device identifier associated with a computing device and updates a map to associate this device identifier with a plurality of browser identifiers. The plurality of browser identifiers includes at least one referenced browser identifier, which is a browser instance previously linked to the device. This allows the system to maintain a comprehensive record of all browser instances used by the same device, improving cross-browser tracking and user identification accuracy. The method ensures that even if a user switches browsers or uses multiple browsers on the same device, their activity can be consistently tracked and analyzed. This is particularly useful in scenarios where users employ different browsers for different purposes, such as one for work and another for personal use, ensuring that all interactions are properly attributed to the same device. The system dynamically updates the map to reflect new associations as they are detected, providing real-time tracking capabilities.
4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising updating the referenced browser identifier by replacing the referenced browser identifier with a new browser identifier.
A system and method for managing browser identifiers in a web-based environment addresses the challenge of tracking user sessions across multiple devices or browser instances while maintaining privacy and security. The invention involves generating and updating unique browser identifiers to ensure consistent user identification without relying on persistent cookies or device-specific tracking mechanisms. The method includes detecting a user session, assigning a unique browser identifier to the session, and storing this identifier in a database for future reference. When a user returns, the system retrieves the stored identifier to maintain continuity. The invention further includes updating the browser identifier by replacing the existing identifier with a new one, ensuring that the tracking mechanism remains dynamic and adaptable to changes in user behavior or security requirements. This update process can be triggered by specific events, such as session expiration, user consent changes, or security policy updates. The system may also include mechanisms to validate the integrity of the identifier and prevent unauthorized tracking. By dynamically updating identifiers, the invention enhances privacy while maintaining the ability to recognize returning users across different sessions and devices.
5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising updating the stored map associated with the identified device identifier to include the new browser identifier.
A system and method for managing browser identifiers in a networked environment involves tracking and updating browser identifiers associated with devices. The method includes receiving a request from a device, where the request includes a browser identifier. The system identifies a device identifier associated with the request and retrieves a stored map that links the device identifier to one or more browser identifiers. If the browser identifier in the request is not already in the stored map, the system updates the map to include the new browser identifier. This ensures that the system maintains an accurate record of all browser identifiers used by a particular device, even as users switch browsers or devices. The method helps address the challenge of tracking user activity across different browsers and devices, improving user experience and enabling better data management. The system dynamically updates the stored associations to reflect changes in browser usage, ensuring consistency and accuracy in tracking. This approach is particularly useful in environments where users frequently switch between browsers or devices, such as in web applications or online services.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the referenced browser identifier is further associated with at least one mutable browser identifier unique to the downloaded website, and further comprising updating the stored map to associate the new browser identifier with the at least one mutable browser identifier.
This invention relates to web browser tracking and privacy management, specifically addressing the challenge of maintaining user privacy while allowing websites to track browser activity for legitimate purposes. The method involves managing browser identifiers to prevent unauthorized tracking while enabling controlled tracking for authorized websites. A browser identifier is associated with at least one mutable identifier unique to a downloaded website, allowing the system to distinguish between authorized and unauthorized tracking attempts. When a new browser identifier is generated, the stored map of associations is updated to link the new identifier with the mutable identifiers of the relevant websites. This ensures that tracking data remains accurate and privacy-compliant, as the mutable identifiers are tied to specific websites rather than the user's broader browsing activity. The system dynamically updates these associations to maintain consistency across browser sessions, improving both privacy and tracking functionality. The method supports seamless transitions between different browser identifiers while preserving the integrity of tracking data for authorized websites. This approach balances user privacy with the need for websites to monitor legitimate user interactions.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the received information further includes a session identifier, and further comprising determining whether the received session identifier matches any session identifiers stored in memory.
This invention relates to a method for managing session identifiers in a computing system to enhance security and authentication processes. The method involves receiving information that includes a session identifier, which is a unique code used to track and authenticate user sessions. The system then checks whether the received session identifier matches any session identifiers stored in memory. If a match is found, the session is validated, allowing the user to proceed with authenticated access. If no match is found, the session may be rejected or flagged for further verification. This process helps prevent unauthorized access by ensuring that only valid session identifiers are accepted. The method may also include additional steps such as generating new session identifiers, storing them in memory, and updating or expiring old identifiers to maintain security. The system can be applied in various applications, including web authentication, network security, and user session management, to improve the reliability and security of session-based authentication mechanisms.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the received information further includes user agent identifier, and further comprising determining whether the received user agent identifier matches any user agent stored in memory.
A system and method for processing network requests involves analyzing received information to determine compatibility or authorization. The system receives a network request containing a user agent identifier, which is a string indicating the software and hardware details of the requesting device. The system compares this identifier against a stored list of authorized or recognized user agents in memory. If a match is found, the request may be processed further, such as by granting access, logging the request, or performing additional validation. If no match is found, the request may be rejected, flagged for review, or handled differently based on predefined rules. This method helps ensure that only authorized or compatible devices can interact with the system, improving security and compatibility control. The stored list of user agents can be updated dynamically to accommodate new devices or revoke access to outdated or unauthorized ones. This approach is particularly useful in web servers, APIs, or other networked systems where request validation is critical.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the user agent identifier is specific to an application on the active computing device.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to user identification in computing systems, specifically addressing the challenge of accurately identifying users across different applications and devices. The method involves generating and managing a unique user agent identifier that is specific to an application running on an active computing device. This identifier distinguishes the user from others using the same application or device, enabling personalized services, security measures, or data tracking without relying on device-level identifiers. The identifier is dynamically generated or retrieved based on the application's context, ensuring it remains relevant to the user's current session or activity. The system may also validate or update the identifier to maintain accuracy over time. This approach improves user experience by providing tailored functionality while preserving privacy by limiting identification to the application level rather than broader device or network identifiers. The method is particularly useful in environments where multiple users share a device or where applications need to distinguish between different user sessions or profiles.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the stored map includes a plurality of device identifiers unique to the active computing device.
A method for managing device-specific data in a computing environment involves storing a map that includes multiple unique device identifiers associated with an active computing device. This map is used to track and organize device-specific information, such as configurations, settings, or operational states, ensuring that data is correctly associated with the intended device. The method may involve retrieving, updating, or processing this map to maintain accurate device-specific records, which can be critical for tasks like device authentication, configuration management, or system diagnostics. By associating unique identifiers with each device, the system ensures that operations are performed on the correct device, preventing errors and improving reliability. This approach is particularly useful in environments where multiple devices interact with a central system, such as in cloud computing, IoT networks, or enterprise IT infrastructure. The method helps streamline device management by centralizing and organizing device-specific data, reducing the risk of misconfiguration or data corruption.
11. A server system for tracking device activity via timestamp-based matching of identifiers, the system comprising: memory that stores information regarding one or more maps, wherein each map associates a device identifier unique to a computing device with at least one browser identifier unique to a browser used by the computing device, the map further mapping the device identifier to an internet protocol (IP) address and an uptime; a communication interface that receives information sent over a communication network from an active computing device that has used a browser to download a website, wherein the downloaded website includes a reference to a browser identifier unique to the browser used by the active computing device; and a processor that executes instructions stored in memory, wherein execution of the instructions by a processor: identifies that the received information includes a timestamp and an IP address for the active computing device, wherein the timestamp indicates an uptime of the active computing device that measures an amount of time that the active computing device has been continuously working since a last start, identifying that the uptime indicated by the timestamp and the IP address in the received information matches an uptime and IP address stored in association with a device identifier in one of the stored maps, and updates the stored map associated with the identified device identifier based on the match, wherein the updated stored map includes the referenced browser identifier and at least one other browser identifier unique to a different browser previously used by the active computing device.
The system tracks device activity by matching timestamps and identifiers across browsers. It addresses the challenge of linking multiple browser identifiers to a single computing device, enabling accurate tracking of user behavior across different browsing sessions. The system includes memory storing maps that associate device identifiers with browser identifiers, IP addresses, and uptime values. A communication interface receives data from active devices, including timestamps and IP addresses from websites accessed via browsers. The processor analyzes this data to match the timestamp-derived uptime and IP address with stored maps, identifying the device. Upon a match, the system updates the corresponding map to include the new browser identifier alongside previously recorded browser identifiers for that device. This allows the system to maintain a comprehensive record of all browsers used by a particular device, facilitating cross-browser tracking and analysis of user activity. The solution improves tracking accuracy by leveraging uptime and IP address matching, reducing reliance on cookies or other less reliable methods.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the timestamp is further associated with a clock skew, and wherein the processor executes further instructions to determine whether clock skew corresponds to the active computing device.
The system relates to computing devices and network synchronization, addressing the challenge of accurately determining the timing and synchronization of events across distributed systems. In distributed computing environments, maintaining precise time synchronization is critical for tasks such as event logging, security auditing, and system diagnostics. However, clock skew—differences in timekeeping between devices—can introduce inaccuracies, making it difficult to correlate events or verify their authenticity. The system includes a processor that executes instructions to analyze timestamps associated with events or data transactions. These timestamps are further linked to a clock skew value, which quantifies the deviation between the local clock of a computing device and a reference time source. The processor evaluates whether the clock skew aligns with the expected behavior of an active computing device, ensuring that the timestamp is reliable and that the device is functioning as intended. This verification helps distinguish between legitimate events and potential anomalies, such as tampered timestamps or unauthorized devices. The system may also compare the clock skew against predefined thresholds or historical data to assess consistency over time. By integrating clock skew analysis, the system enhances the accuracy and trustworthiness of time-based operations in distributed computing environments.
13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the stored map associates the identified device identifier with a plurality of browser identifiers, the plurality of browser identifiers including the referenced browser identifier.
A system for tracking and associating device and browser identifiers is disclosed. The system addresses the challenge of accurately linking multiple browser identifiers to a single device identifier, which is critical for digital advertising, analytics, and user behavior tracking. The system includes a storage component that maintains a map associating device identifiers with multiple browser identifiers. This allows the system to recognize when different browser identifiers belong to the same device, even if they appear distinct due to different browsers, incognito modes, or device resets. The system can then use this association to improve tracking accuracy, personalize user experiences, or enhance data analysis. The stored map ensures that the relationship between a device identifier and its associated browser identifiers is preserved, enabling consistent identification across sessions and platforms. This solution is particularly useful in environments where users interact with multiple browsers or devices, ensuring that tracking remains accurate despite variations in browser identifiers. The system may also include additional components for collecting, processing, and updating these associations to maintain real-time accuracy.
14. The system of claim 13 , wherein the processor executes further instructions to update the referenced browser identifier by replacing the referenced browser identifier with a new browser identifier.
A system for managing browser identifiers in a computing environment addresses the challenge of maintaining secure and unique browser identifiers to prevent tracking and unauthorized access. The system includes a processor that executes instructions to generate and manage browser identifiers, which are used to distinguish different browser sessions or users. The processor can update these identifiers by replacing an existing browser identifier with a new one, ensuring that the system maintains security and privacy by preventing long-term tracking or association of activities with a single identifier. This replacement process can be triggered by various conditions, such as user requests, security policies, or time-based intervals, to enhance privacy and security. The system may also include a storage component to retain the browser identifiers and their associations with sessions or users, allowing for seamless transitions between identifiers while maintaining functionality. The ability to dynamically update identifiers helps mitigate risks such as session hijacking or cross-site tracking, improving overall system security.
15. The system of claim 14 , wherein the processor executes further instructions to update the stored map associated with the identified device identifier to include the new browser identifier.
A system for managing device and browser identifiers in a networked environment addresses the challenge of tracking and associating multiple browser identifiers with a single device identifier. The system includes a processor that executes instructions to receive a new browser identifier from a device, where the device is associated with a stored device identifier. The processor then updates a stored map, which links device identifiers to their respective browser identifiers, by adding the new browser identifier to the entry corresponding to the identified device identifier. This ensures that the system maintains an accurate and up-to-date record of all browser identifiers associated with each device, enabling better tracking, security, and personalized services. The system may also include a memory for storing the map and a network interface for receiving the new browser identifier from the device. The processor may further execute instructions to verify the device identifier before updating the map, ensuring data integrity and security. This approach improves the accuracy of device and browser tracking, which is critical for applications such as targeted advertising, security monitoring, and user experience personalization.
16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the referenced browser identifier is further associated with at least one mutable browser identifier unique to the downloaded website, and further comprising updating the stored map to associate the new browser identifier with the at least one mutable browser identifier.
This invention relates to a system for managing browser identifiers in a web environment, addressing the challenge of tracking and updating browser identifiers across different websites. The system includes a storage component that maintains a map of browser identifiers, where each identifier is linked to at least one mutable browser identifier specific to a downloaded website. When a new browser identifier is generated, the system updates the stored map to associate this new identifier with the existing mutable browser identifier, ensuring consistency and traceability across multiple websites. This allows for seamless tracking of user sessions or activities even as browser identifiers change dynamically. The system may also include a processor that executes instructions to perform these operations, ensuring efficient and accurate updates to the identifier mappings. The overall solution enhances the ability to monitor and manage browser-based interactions while adapting to changes in identifier values.
17. The system of claim 11 , wherein the received information further includes a session identifier, and wherein the processor executes further instructions to determine whether the received session identifier matches any session identifiers stored in memory.
Technical Summary: This invention relates to a system for managing and verifying session identifiers in a computing environment. The problem addressed is ensuring secure and accurate session validation, particularly in distributed or networked systems where session integrity is critical. The system includes a processor and memory storing session identifiers associated with active sessions. When information is received by the system, it includes a session identifier. The processor compares the received session identifier against those stored in memory to determine if there is a match. If a match is found, the session is validated; if not, the session may be rejected or flagged for further review. This mechanism helps prevent unauthorized access or session hijacking by verifying that the session identifier corresponds to an active, legitimate session stored in the system's memory. The system may also include additional components, such as a network interface for receiving and transmitting data, and a database for storing session-related information. The processor executes instructions to perform the session validation process, ensuring that only valid sessions are processed further. This approach enhances security by dynamically checking session identifiers against a trusted list of active sessions, reducing the risk of session-related vulnerabilities. The system is particularly useful in applications requiring high security, such as financial transactions, authentication systems, or cloud-based services.
18. The system of claim 11 , wherein the received information further includes user agent identifier, and wherein the processor executes further instructions to determine whether the received user agent identifier matches any user agent stored in memory.
The system relates to network security and authentication, specifically addressing the challenge of verifying the legitimacy of user agents in network communications to prevent unauthorized access or fraud. The system includes a processor and memory storing instructions for processing received information from a network request. The system extracts a user agent identifier from the request and compares it against a stored list of authorized or known user agents in memory. If the received user agent identifier matches an entry in the stored list, the system may proceed with further authentication or processing. If no match is found, the system may flag the request as potentially malicious or block it. This verification step helps ensure that only trusted or expected user agents can interact with the system, reducing the risk of spoofing or other attacks. The system may also include additional components for handling network requests, such as a communication interface for receiving and transmitting data, and a database for storing user agent identifiers and related security policies. The comparison process may involve exact matching or pattern-based analysis to account for variations in user agent strings. This approach enhances security by adding an extra layer of validation before granting access to network resources.
19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the user agent identifier is specific to an application on the active computing device.
A system for managing user agent identifiers in computing environments addresses the challenge of accurately identifying and tracking specific applications across different devices. The system includes a computing device with a processor and memory, where the memory stores instructions for generating and managing user agent identifiers. These identifiers are unique to individual applications running on the device, allowing for precise application-level tracking rather than just device-level identification. The system dynamically assigns or retrieves these identifiers based on the active application, ensuring that interactions, requests, or data transmissions are associated with the correct application instance. This is particularly useful in environments where multiple applications may share the same device or where applications need to be distinguished for security, analytics, or service provisioning purposes. The system may also include mechanisms to update or rotate these identifiers to enhance security or adapt to changing application states. By providing application-specific identifiers, the system improves the granularity and reliability of application tracking and management in distributed computing environments.
20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having embodied thereon a program executable by a processor to perform a method for tracking device activity via timestamp-based matching of identifiers, the method comprising: storing information in memory of an identifier server regarding one or more maps, wherein each map associates a device identifier unique to a computing device with at least one browser identifier unique to a browser used by the computing device, the map further mapping the device identifier to an internet protocol (IP) address and an uptime; receiving information sent over a communication network from an active computing device that has used a browser to download a website, wherein the downloaded website includes a reference to a browser identifier unique to the browser used by the active computing device; identifying that the received information includes a timestamp and an IP address for the active computing device, wherein the timestamp indicates an uptime of the active computing device that measures an amount of time that the active computing device has been continuously working since a last start; identifying that the uptime indicated by the timestamp and the IP address in the received information matches an uptime and IP address stored in association with a device identifier in one of the stored maps; and updating the stored map associated with the identified device identifier based on the match, wherein the updated stored map includes the referenced browser identifier and at least one other browser identifier unique to a different browser previously used by the active computing device.
This invention relates to tracking device activity by matching identifiers using timestamps. The system addresses the challenge of accurately associating multiple browser identifiers with a single computing device across different browsing sessions. A server stores maps that link device identifiers to browser identifiers, IP addresses, and uptime values. When an active computing device accesses a website, the server receives information including a timestamp and IP address from the device. The timestamp reflects the device's continuous uptime since its last startup. The server compares this uptime and IP address with stored data to identify a matching device identifier. Upon finding a match, the server updates the corresponding map to include the new browser identifier alongside any previously associated browser identifiers. This allows the system to track a device's activity across different browsers and sessions, even when the same browser is not reused. The method ensures accurate device tracking by leveraging uptime and IP address matching, improving the reliability of cross-browser activity monitoring.
Unknown
November 26, 2019
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